How to Relax on the Golf Course - The Physical and Psychological

Getting yourself in the right relaxed state is a strong part of the mental side of golf. Often tension overrides the natural swing, forcing the golfer to make errors. 

Learning to relax both mentally and physically will help you get off to a positive round. This positive start will carry you over the rest of the course too.

Hit the Easy Golf Club!

Hit your easiest golf club even if the hole is long. Every golfer has a club that they hit well. Use your comfort club to cement a positive start. You will already feel relaxed when you take this club from your golf bag. This gives you the feeling that you can start the round on a positive mental note. Nothing is worse than hitting out-of-bounds (OB) or into a problem such as a hazard or bunker with your first tee-shot.

Clothing and Keeping Warm or Cool on the Golf Course

Cloth clothing should be designed to keep you warm or cool depending on local conditions. The Adidas Men's ClimaLite 3-Stripes Cuff Piqué Polo a great item as it helps keep cool by ventilating away hot air from the body. 

Breathing Well is the Key to relaxing on the Golf Course 

Breathe deep forcing your body to relax. Evaluate your breathing and slow yourself down. If you feel your heart racing due to the pressure of the tee then begin to breathe deep and exhale slowly. This will enable your body to calm itself down. Use a controlled swing that is not forceful.

Understanding Psychological Tension on the Golf Course

People watching, including fellow golfers, will undoubtedly cause some psychological tension. Accept this pressure. It is only natural that people want to watch. But remember nobody can help you absolve this pressure only you have that power. Nobody is evaluating your play or critiquing your way of playing golf. Only your own thoughts are creating this pressure. 

Essential Warm Up Exercises on the Golf Course 

Do swing exercises to loosen your body. Perform squats to warm your legs, stretching the muscles too. Shaking your feet helps blood flow keeping your body supple. Rotate your body to warm that too. Exercising not only helps your body unwind but it also relaxes your mind. It may have been a week since you last played or longer therefore you are going to be slightly rusty. Warming up will help your body remember what it has to do when you take your first tee-shot. Muscle memory will begin to flood back into your body. This puts you in a good position to hit an accurate tee-shot. 

Use a Golf Range to Practice  - Pretend it's the Golf Course

If possible hit some practice balls before you start. This gives you an advantage in that it will help you relax as you begin your round of golf. If the course you are playing on does not offer a driving range then take a handful of plastic training golf balls. These are ideal as they do not travel far with the advantage of helping you focus on your swing rather than distance.

Remember golf is just a game. It’s an enjoyable fun activity shared by all players. You are outside in wonderful nature. Enjoy the occasion, conversing with your playing partners, helping build social bonds. Don’t feel it is absolutely necessary that you hit your best shot ever from the first tee. Keep your head high as you approach the tee. Breathe deep whilst focusing on staying positive. Relaxation is your best friend when playing golf get to know each other well.